Multiple stapling system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for simultaneously inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece wherein a plurality of stapling machines are supported from the work piece in spaced relation above the work piece and moved across the work piece. The stapling machines are lowered intermittently into contact with the work piece and actuated to drive staples in the work piece.

1 51 Feb. 27, 1973 United States Patent 1 1 Kennedy ll 0 1.. l 7 2 2 1MULTIPLE STAPLING SYSTEM 3,261,527 7/1966 Sterner........ 1 1,509 4929/1924 Schaubmn...

[76] Inventor: George W. Kennedy, 2564 Grand 1,671'660 5/l928 Vilma ata] PYIX Court, Atlanta, 30329 2,755,470 7/1956 Johnson PrimaryExaminer-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Attorney-Jones & Thomas 21 Appl. 190.;104,969

[52] US. Cl. ....................29/432, 227/101, 227/111,

227/7 .B27f 7/02 ..227/l0l, 107, 110, 111, 152;

plurality of staples in a work piece wherein a plurality of staplingmachines are supported from the work piece in spaced relation above thework piece and [58] Field of Search...

[56] References Cited moved across the work piece. The stapling machinesare lowered intermittently into contact with the work UNITED STATESPATENTS piece and actuated to drive staples in the work piece.

2,457,984 1/1949 Dougherty............................227/l 11 10Claims, 3 Drawing Figures mmmmzz 1075 3,717, 924 sum 1 BF 2 BY WATTORNEYS PATENTEDFEBZYW 3,717. 924

SHEET 2 OF 2 INVENTOR GEORGE W. KENNEDY ATTORNEYS MULTIPLE STAPLINGSYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the prefabrication of walls andfloors for houses, mobile homes, and other structures, the usual processcomprises assembling the studs or floor joists, and applying sheathing,interior paneling or flooring material to the stlids or joists bynailing or stapling. While the construction was originally done by hand,various machines have been developed which automatically insert aplurality of staples or nails through the paneling into the studs, etc.

Two typical procedures have been developed for the automatic stapling ofthe paneling to the studs. One procedure is to mount a plurality ofstapling machines in alignment with each other on a framework, and passthe work piece through the framework. The stapling machines are loweredinto contact with the framework, actuated, and withdrawn and the workpiece is advanced. The second general procedure is to mount a mobileframework over a work bench, hang the stapling machine from theframework, advance the framework over the work piece, and intermittentlylower the stapling machines into contact with the work piece and actuatethe stapling machines.

While the prior art stapling machines function to insert a plurality ofstaples or nails in a work piece, the devices are massive'in size,expensive, and cumbersome. The devices have required either a movableframework to support the stapling devices or means to -move the workpiece through the framework. In addi- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Brieflydescribed, the present invention comprises a method and apparatus forstapling a work piece wherein the stapling machines are supported fromthe surface of the work piece. The weight of the apparatus is utilizedto urge the paneling etc. into positive contact with the studs, etc.,and the apparatus can function properly to insert staples in virtuallyany work piece, regardless of its length, width or thickness.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a method andapparatus for stapling work pieces with a plurality of staples generallywithout limitation as to the size of the work piece.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stapling apparatus forsimultaneously inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece, andwherein the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING DESCRIPTION OF THEPREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in more detail to the drawing, inwhich like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views,FIG. 1 shows a work piece 10 which ineludes studs 11 extending between ashoe l2 and a plate 13 which forms a framework for paneling 14. Ofcourse, the work piece 10 can comprise flooring material and joists orother structure, which can be prefabricated for subsequent assembly atbuilding sites.

Stapling apparatus 15 includes a framework 16 supported from work piece10. Framework 16 includes a pair of parallel tubes 18 and 19 whichextend substantially across the entire framework and communicate attheir ends by connecting tubes 20 and are supported at their ends by endplates 21. Air supply conduit 22 communicates with a connecting tube 20so that parallel tubes 18 and 19 function as a header for supply of airunder pressure. End plates 21 are connected together at their upper endsby their tie rods 24 and 25, and center plate 26 supports the tie rodsat the center of framework 16 and holds the tie rods in upwardlyinclined spaced relationship from parallel tubes 18 and 19.

Framework 16 is supported from the surface of the work piece 10 by beltcrawler assemblies 28 and 29 which function as support means for theapparatus. As is illustrated in FIG. 2, each belt. crawler assemblyincludes an L-shaped belt support plate 30 which carries belt sheaves 31and 32 at the ends of its horizontal leg 33, driving sheave 34 at theupper-end of vertical leg 34, and idler sheave 36 at the junction of thehorizontal and vertical legs. Endless V-belt 38 extends around sheaves31,32,34 and 36 in the manner as shown. The lower horizontal flight ofV-belt 38 which extends between belt sheaves 31 and 32 becomes a crawlertread and engages the work piece and supports the belt crawler assembly.

Plate block 39 is rigidly connected to belt support plate 28 at theupper edge of horizontal leg 33, and a pair of stanchions 40 and 41 arerigidly connected to plate block 39 and extend parallel to each other inan upward direction. Clamp block 42 is telescopically received at itsends about stanchions 40 and 41, and it is rigidly connected to thestanchions by set screws 44 through its ends. Connector 45 is rigidlyconnected to clamp block 42 and extends upwardly therefrom. Linkage 46includes lower link 47 pivotally connected at its lower end to the lowerend of upper link 48. The upper end of upper link 48 is rigidlyconnected to crank barv 49. Crank bar 49 extends between and beyondlifting blocks 50 and 51, and is rotatable therein. Support strut 52rests upon lifting blocks 50 and 51 and the pair of parallel tubes 18and 19 are clamped to support strut 52 by clamp strut 54 and spacerblocks 55 and 56. Lifting blocks 50 and 51 and spacer blocks 5-5 and 56define aligned vertical openings for the free passage of stanchions 40and 41. Thus, parallel tubes 18 and 19 and the remaining elements offramework 16 are supported from the belt crawler assemblies 28 and 29 bymeans of the elevating assemblies 58 at the ends of the framework whichare formed from stanchions 40 and 41 linkage 46, etc. In order to raiseor lower the framework with respect to the belt crawler assemblies 28and 29 and the work piece 10, it is only necessary to rotate crank bar49 by means of hand crank lever 59 connected to one end of crank bar 49or crank link 60 connected to the other end of crank bar 49.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1, crank link 60 of belt crawler assembly 28is rigidly connected at its lower end to crank bar 49, and pivotallyconnected at its upper end to cross link 61. The other end of cross link61 is pivotally connected to elongated crank link 62. Elongated cranklink 62 is identical in its lower portion to crank link 60, but alsoincludes an upper extension. The upper end of elongated crank link 62 ispivotally connected to ram rod 64 of ram 65. Ram 65 is anchored toparallel tubes 18 and 19 so that when ram rod 64 is extended orretracted, it functions to move elongated crank link 62, and cross link61 causes crank link 60 to move through a corresponding arc of movement.Thus, the elevating assemblies 58 at each end of the framework 16 willraise or lower the ends of the framework equal distances.

A plurality of stapling machines 66 are supported by parallel tubes 18and'19. Each stapling machine 66 includes a head 68, a supply chamber 69and a body 70. An air conduit 71 is connected to the body and functionsto charge the body 70 with pressurized air, thus causing the staplingmachine to eject a staple from head 68. Stapling machines 66 are ofconventional construction, and their specific internal structure formsno part of this invention.

The upper end of the body portion 70 of each stapling machine 66 isslidably supported by parallel 'tubes 18 and 19 by means of support tube72 extending in an upward direction from the body portion through slideblock 73. Support tube 72 is connected at its upper end to cross block74, and cross block 74 extends over parallel tube 19 and is connected tocounterweight 75. Coil compression spring 76 surrounds support tube 72between the upper end of body portion 70 of stapling machine 66 andslide block 73. Slide block 73 is positioned between and is clamped toparallel tubes 18 and 19 and slidably receives support tube 72 to allowthe stapling machine to move in an upward direction with respect to theframework against the bias of its spring 76 and the weight of tool 66and itscounterweight 75. Cross block 74 extends across the top ofparallel tube 19 and positions counterweight'75 in front of staplingmachine 66, and the counterweight hangs down in front of parallel tube19 and functions to balance the stapling machine 66 so that its centerof gravity is at its head 68. When framework 16 is lowered and the head68 of stapling machine 66 engages and rests upon the work piece, spring76 allows support tube 72 to ride up in the opening of slide block 73between parallel tubes 18 and 19, and a portion of the weight of theframework 16 rests upon the stapler 66 and the work piece. The staplingmachine is substantially balanced on its head when it engages the workpiece in this manner.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1, the driving sheaves of the belt crawlerassemblies 28 and 29 are connected together by driving link 80, and ahand crank 81 is connected to the driving link. Thus, when it is desiredto move the stapling apparatus 15 across work piece 10, the operatormerely rotates hand crank 81, and driving link 80 causes the drivingsheaves 34 to rotate in unison and move endless V-belts 38 about theirbelt sheaves 31 and 32, thus causing the belt crawler assemblies 28 and29 to carry the stapling apparatus. Of course,-belt crawler assemblies28 and 29 are positioned on op posite sides of the center of gravity andstapling apparatus 15 and the placement of belt sheaves 31 and 32 issuch that these sheaves are located in front and behind the center ofgravity of the stapling apparatus, and the stapling apparatus ismaintained in balance. The spacing of belt sheaves 31 and 32 issufficient so that there is substantially no hazard of tilting ortipping over the stapling machine in normal operation.

Belt crawler assemblies 28 and 29 are normally positioned inwardly ofthe ends of framework 16, and one or more of stapling machines 66 can beplaced outside the belt crawler assemblies at the ends of the frameworkor at virtually any location along the framework. Belt crawlerassemblies 28 and 29 can be moved along the lengths of parallel tubes 18and 19 by merely loosening the screws 53 of clamp strut 54 and slidingthe elevating assembly 58 and belt crawler assembly to the desiredlocation on the parallel tube and retightening the screws 53.

Each air conduit 71 extends between the body portion of its staplingmachine and parallel tube 18 which is charged with air through conduit22. A control valve (not shown) is located in the body of each staplingmachine and valve control conduit 84 communicates with the control valveof all of the stapling machines at one end of the framework and withpilot valve 85 which is supported on stanchion 40 of elevating assembly58 of belt crawler assembly 28. With some stapling machines, supporttube 72 may be used to communicate between valve control conduit 84 andcontrol valve. Pilot valve 85 is located so that it will be engaged bylifting block 50 which moves with the framework as the framework islowered toward the work piece 10. Pilot valve 85 is normally positionedat a level on stanchion 40 so that all of the stapling machines 66 willbe lowered into engagement with the work piece 10 before pilot valve 85is engaged by lifting block 50. When the pilot valve is so engaged, itfunctions to charge valve control conduit and shift the air controlvalves of each stapler 66, which allows air to flow through air conduits71 and actuate the stapling machines and drive staples into the workpiece.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1, ram is controlled by valve 86 which ismounted at the end of framework 16. Valve lever 88 is connected tocontrol valve 86 and control valve 86 functions to unbalance the airpressure in ram 65 to progressively retract ram rod 64 into the ramcylinder. This causes crank link 60 and 62 to rotate about theirrespective crank bars 49, thus causing linkages 46 to lower framework16. The rate at which the framework is lowered is controlled by controlvalve 86 so the operator can carefully align the stapling machine 66 asthe framework is lowered.

'wheels will be raised and lowered in unison.

As is illustrated in FIG. 3, an anchoring mechanism 90 is connected tothe L-shaped belt support plate 30 of belt crawler assembly 28 at oneend of the framework. Anchoring mechanism 90 includes a support block 91rigidly attached to the lower edge of sup- 5 port plate 30, plunger 92,lever 93 and compression spring 94. Plunger 92 extends through supportblock 91 and is movable in a vertical direction when lever 93 is pivotedabout its pivot pin 95. Spring 94 urges lever 93 and plunger 92 in anupward direction. Plunger pad 96 is connected to the lower end ofplunger 92, so that when lever 93 is pivoted in a downward arc, plungerpad 96 will protrude below crawler assembly 28 to engage the work piece.This causes crawler assembly 28 to be elevated away from the work piece,with the anchoring mechanism supporting one end of the framework.

When lever 93 of anchoring mechanism 90 is depressed so that its plunger92 lifts crawler assembly 28 away from the work piece, the end of theframework will be anchored to the work piece while the opposite end ofthe framework supported by crawler assembly 29 will be free to move onthe surface of the work piece. Thus, when the operator rotates handcrank 81 and the endless Vbelts 38 are moved in the manner previouslydescribed, anchoring mechanism 90 will hold one end of the framework inits position on the work piece while the crawler assembly 29 moves theother end of the framework along the surface of the work piece. Thiscauses the framework to move in an are about anchoring mechanism 90.Thus, the position of the framework can be adjusted with respect to thework piece to align the stapling machines with the studs of the wallassembly, with seams or grooves in the wall board, or with otherelements of the work piece.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, wheel elevating assemblies 100 and101 are positioned on opposite sides of the center of gravity ofstapling apparatus 15 and are connected to parallel tubes 18 and 19 ofthe framework. The wheel elevating assemblies each include a clampassembly 102 at its upper end, linkage 104 connected to and extendingdownward from the clamp assembly, a clamp block 105 connected to linkage104, stanchions 106 and 107, and wheel support block 108. The wheelelevating assemblies 100 and 101 are generally similar to the elevatingassemblies for the belt crawlers at the ends of the framework. Handcrank 110 is connected to crank bar 111 and is utilized to operatelinkage 104. Cross link 112 is connected between the wheel elevatingassemblies so that the entire stapling apparatus can be moved laterallywith respect to the work piece.

OPERATION The stapling apparatus 15 normally will be utilized to staplewall board, floor covering, etc. to a framework of studs, shoes andplates, or of joists, etc. The framework is placed on a horizontalsurface, and the covering to be attached to the framework is laid overthe framework. The stapling apparatus 15 is then moved onto the wallcovering. If desired, a small platform (not shown) can be locatedadjacent the work piece so that the stapling apparatus 15 can be placedon the platform and rolled directly onto the work piece when it isdesired to staple the covering to the framework and can be rolled offthe work piece onto the platform so that the finished work piece can beremoved and a new work piece can be placed adjacent the platform.

The end stapling machines 66 at opposite ends of the stapling apparatusnormally will be spaced apart from each other a distance equal to thespacing of shoe 12 from plate 13. The belt crawler assemblies 28 and 29can be located just inwardly of the outer stapling machines 66, and theremaining stapling machines 66 will be spaced along parallel tubes 18and 19 at equal distances from one another. The operator rotates crank81 of driving link to cause the driving sheaves 34 of the belt crawlerassemblies 28 and 29 to move the belts about their belt sheaves. Thiscauses the lower flight of the endless Vbelts 38 to function as asupport 'or crawler and crawl across the work piece. Since the drivinglink 81 will cause both driving sheaves 34 to operate in unison, beltcrawler assemblies 28 and 29 will function to move both ends of theframework 16 equal distances on the work piece. The operator will becareful to assure that the stapling machines 66 are aligned with thestuds 11. If the stapling machines are not properly aligned on the workpiece the operator depresses lever 93 of anchoring mechanism to liftbelt crawler assembly 28 away from the work piece and anchor one end ofthe framework to the work piece. The operator then rotates crank 81 tocause the other belt crawler assembly to walk in an are about theanchoring mechanism until the stapling machines are properly aligned.

When the operator has caused the heads 68 of the stapling machines 66 tobe positioned over a stud 11, he depresses lever 88 which causes controlvalve 86 to bleed ram 65, thus causing ram :rod 64 to pivot crank links60 and 62 and their crank bars 49. The linkage 46 of the crank bars 49will allow the framework 16 to move in a downward direction toward workpiece 10. As the framework moves in a downward direction, the heads 68of each stapling machine 66 will make contact with the work piece. Thiscauses the weight of the stapling machines to be supported by the workpiece at spaced intervals across the work piece at the stud 11, whichcauses the paneling which is to be attached to the studs to positivelyengage the studs. The counterweight 75 of each stapling machine causeseach stapling machine to be substantially balanced on the work piece. Inaddition, as the framework 16 is further lowered toward the work piece10, the coil compres- As the framework 16 is further lowered by ram 65,lifting block 50 of belt crawler assembly 28 engages pilot valve 85,which causes the control valves (not shown) of each stapling machine 66to admit air from parallel tube 18 to each stapling machine 66, andactuate each stapling machine.

The operator will then release lever 88, which allows ram 65 to refillwith pressurized air and extend its ram rod 64, thus causing theelevating assemblies 58 to lift framework 16 away from the work piece.The operator will then operate hand crank 81 to advance belt crawlerassemblies 28 and 29 and move the stapling apparatus l to'a new locationon the work piece.

When it is desirable to shift the stapling apparatus laterally of thelength of the work piece the operator rotates hand crank 110 of wheelelevating assemblies 100 and 101 to lower wheels 114 and lift thecrawler assemblies 28 and 29 out of engagement with the work piece,whereupon the wheels 114 allow the lateral movement of the staplingapparatus.

Since the end stapling machines 66 are spaced apart a distance equal tothe spacing of shoe l2 and plate-l3 of the framework of the work piece,these stapling machines will function to tack the lower edges of thepaneling 14 to the shoe 12 and plate 13. Since the belt crawlerassemblies 28 and 29 and all of the stapling machines 66 can be movedalong the supporting framework 16 of the stapling apparatus, thestapling apparatus can be utilized to staple work pieces of variousdifferent sizes.

It should be noted that the belt crawler assemblies 28 and 29 functionto spread the weight of the stapling apparatus 15 across a relativelywide area through V-belts 38, so that any hazard of damaging theappearance of paneling 14 on the work piece is reduced. Moreover,

, the nature of a belt crawler is such that it will normally move in arectilinear path, rarely deviating from its set direction. This featureis desirable in connection with the present structure since once thestapling machines. 66 have been properly aligned with a stud 11, it willbe unnecessary to realign the stapling apparatus as the staplingapparatus is advanced across the work piece.

The counterweight 75 of each stapling machine 66 is arranged so that thecounter force of the staple being driven into the work piece causes eachstapling machine 66 to be lifted generally in an upward direction fromthe work piece as opposed to being tilted away from the work piece. Thiscauses the staple to be driven directly into the work piecesubstantially without hazard of having a staple driven in at an angle ina work piece or ricocheting away from the work piece. Virtually notilting forces are transferred to the framework 16, and the frameworkgenerally does not rock or tilt during operation of the staplingmachines. Thus, stanchions 40 and 41 of the elevating assembly 58 ofeach belt crawler assembly supports primarily only vertical forces orweight as opposed to lateral forces or tilting forces.

If desired, the framework 16 can be raised or lowered with the use ofhand crank lever 59 which is connected to crank bar 49-of elevatingassembly 58. Of course, hand crank lever 59 can be detached from crankbar 49, if desired, so that it will not be in the way when the device isactuated through the manipulation of valve lever 88.

The staples which are driven into the work piece by stapling machines 66can be U-shaped, J-shaped, straight, or of virtually any other shapecompatible with both the work piece and stapling machine. It should beunderstood that the terms staple and stapling machine are used in abroad sense and include various nails, brads, and other connectingelements and nailing machines, brading machines, and other connectingmachines.

While this invention has been described in detail with particularreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention as described hereinbefore and as defined in theappended claims.

lclaim:

1. Apparatus for stapling a work piece comprising an elongatedframework, a belt crawler positioned inwardly from each end of saidframework for traveling on the work piece, means connected between saidframework and said belt crawlers for raising and lowering said frameworkwith respect to said belt crawlers and the work piece, a plurality ofstapling devices supported on said framework and arranged to engage thework piece when the framework is lowered, and control means foractuating the stapling devices when the stapling devices are inengagement with the work piece.

2. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece or thelike disposed in an approximate horizontal plane, said apparatuscomprising a framework, support means connected to said framework forsupporting said framework on the work piece, a plurality of staplingdevices mounted on said framework and normally maintained out of contactwith the work piece, said support means comprising a support assemblypositioned inwardly of the ends of said framework, and at least one ofsaid stapling devices being mounted on each end of said frameworkoutwardly of said support means, means for lowering said frameworktoward the work piece to move said stapling devices into contact withthe work piece, an actuating means for actuating said stapling deviceswhen said stapling devices are in contact with the work piece.

3. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece or thelike disposed in an approximate horizontal plane, said apparatuscomprising a framework, a pair of belt-crawlers spaced apart from eachother and mounted on opposite sides of the center of gravity of saidframework for supporting said framework on the work piece, a pluralityof stapling devices mounted on said framework and normally maintainedout of contact with the work piece, means for lowering saidframeworktoward the work piece to move said stapling devices intocontact with the work piece, and actuating means for actuating saidstapling devices when said stapling devices are in contact with the workpiece.

4. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece or thelike comprising an elongated framework, support means mounted on saidframework for supporting said framework on the work piece, a pluralityof stapling devices mounted on said framework and normally maintainedout of contact with the work piece, each of said stapling devices beingmounted below and generally on one side of said framework and includinga counter weight connected thereto and positioned on the other side ofsaid framework, means for lowering said framework toward the work pieceto move said stapling devices into contact with the work piece, andactuating means for actuating said stapling devices when said staplingdevices are in contact with the work piece.

5. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece or thelike comprising an elongated framework, support means mounted on saidframework adjacent the ends of said framework for supporting saidframework on the work piece, a plurality of stapling devices mounted onsaid framework and normally maintained out of contact with the workpiece, spring means for urging each of said stapling devices in adownward direction, means for lowering said framework toward the workpiece to move said stapling devices into contact with the work piece,and actuating means for simultaneously actuating all of said staplingdevices when-said stapling devices are in contact with the work piece.

6. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece or thelike comprising an elongated framework, a pair of spaced-apartbelt-crawler assemblies mounted on said framework adjacent the ends ofsaid framework for supporting said framework from the work piece, aplurality of stapling devices mounted on said framework and normallymaintained out of contact with the work piece, means for lowering saidframework toward the work piece to move said stapling devices intocontact with the work piece, actuating means for actuating said staplingdevices when said stapling devices are in contact with the work piece,and means for advancing said belt-crawler assemblies simultaneously.

7. A method of inserting staples in a work piece comprising supportingan elongated framework carrying a plurality of stapling devices in aline above the work piece from the surface of the work piece, moving oneend of the framework through a horizontal arc above the work piece whilemaintaining the other end of the framework in an approximately fixedposition above the work piece to change the attitude of the frameworkwith respect to the work piece, simultaneously moving both ends of theframework across the surface of the work piece without changing theattitude of the framework with respect to the work piece whilesupporting the framework from the surface of the work piece,intermittently lowering the stapling devices into contact with the workpiece and actuating the stapling devices.

8. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a generally flatwork piece or the like disposed in an approximate horizontal plane, saidapparatus comprising a framework, a plurality of stapling machinesmounted on said framework, support means connected to said framework forsupporting said stapling machines on the work piece, said support meanscomprising means for lowering said framework toward the work piece untilthe stapling machines engage the work piece, actuating means responsiveto the downward movement of said framework for actuating said staplingmachines, and balancing means connected to each of said staplingmachines for balancing each stapling machine on the work iece.

9. pparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a generally flatwork piece disposed in an approximately horizontal plane comprising aframework, a plurality of stapling machines supported by said frameworkabove the work piece, and support means mounted on said framework forsupporting said framework on said work piece and arranged to move saidframework in a rectilinear direction across said work piece, saidsupport means including means for anchoring one end of said framework tosaid work piece while permitting the other end of said framework to moveacross said workpiece and change the direction of movement between saidframework and the work piece.

10. Apparatus for'inserting a plurality of staples in a generally flatwork piece disposed in an approximately horizontal plane, said apparatuscomprising. a framework, a plurality of stapling machines supported bysaid framework above the work piece, and support means for moving saidframework across said work piece, said support means including means formoving said framework in a first rectilinear direction across said workpiece or in an arc with respect to a point on the surface of the workpiece, and means for moving said framework in a second rectilineardirection disposed with respect to said first rectilinear direction.

1. Apparatus for stapling a work piece comprising an elongatedframework, a belt crawler positioned inwardly from each end of saidframework for traveling on the work piece, means connected between saidframework and said belt crawlers for raising and lowering said frameworkwith respect to said belt crawlers and the work piece, a plurality ofstapling devices supported on said framework and arranged to engage thework piece when the framework is lowered, and control means foractuating the stapling devices when the stapling devices are inengagement with the work piece.
 2. Apparatus for inserting a pluralityof staples in a work piece or the like disposed in an approximatehorizontal plane, said apparatus comprising a framework, support meansconnected to said framework for supporting said framework on the workpiece, a plurality of stapling devices mounted on said framework andnormally maintained out of contact with the work piece, said supportmeans comprising a support assembly positioned inwardly of the ends ofsaid framework, and at least one of said stapling devices being mountedon each end of said framework outwardly of said support means, means forlowering said framework toward the work piece to move said staplingdevices into contact with the work piece, an actuating means foractuating said stapling devices when said stapling devices are incontact with the work piece.
 3. Apparatus for inserting a plurality ofstaples in a work piece or the like disposed in an approximatehorizontal plane, said apparatus comprising a framework, a pair ofbelt-crawlers spaced apart from each other and mounted on opposite sidesof the center of gravity of said framework for supporting said frameworkon the work piece, a plurality of stapling devices mounted on saidframework and normally maintained out of contact with the work piece,means for lowering said framework toward the work piece to move saidstapling devices into contact with the work piece, and actuating meansfor actuating said stapling devices when said stapling devices are incontact with the work piece.
 4. Apparatus for inserting a plurality ofstaples in a work piece or the like comprising an elongated framework,support means mounted on said framework for supporting said framework onthe work piece, a plurality of stapling devices mounted on saidframework and normally maintained out of contact with the work piece,each of said stapling devices being mounted below and generally on oneside of said framework and including a counter weight connected theretoand positioned on the other side of said framework, means for loweringsaid framework toward the work piece to move said stapling devices intocontact with the work piece, and actuating means for actuating saidstapling devices when said stapling devices are in contact with the workpiece.
 5. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work pieceor the like comprising an elongated framework, support means mounted onsaid framework adjacent the ends of said framework for supporting saidframework on the work piece, a plurality of stapling devices mounted onsaid framework and normally maintained out of contact with the workpiece, spring means for urging eacH of said stapling devices in adownward direction, means for lowering said framework toward the workpiece to move said stapling devices into contact with the work piece,and actuating means for simultaneously actuating all of said staplingdevices when said stapling devices are in contact with the work piece.6. Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a work piece or thelike comprising an elongated framework, a pair of spaced-apartbelt-crawler assemblies mounted on said framework adjacent the ends ofsaid framework for supporting said framework from the work piece, aplurality of stapling devices mounted on said framework and normallymaintained out of contact with the work piece, means for lowering saidframework toward the work piece to move said stapling devices intocontact with the work piece, actuating means for actuating said staplingdevices when said stapling devices are in contact with the work piece,and means for advancing said belt-crawler assemblies simultaneously. 7.A method of inserting staples in a work piece comprising supporting anelongated framework carrying a plurality of stapling devices in a lineabove the work piece from the surface of the work piece, moving one endof the framework through a horizontal arc above the work piece whilemaintaining the other end of the framework in an approximately fixedposition above the work piece to change the attitude of the frameworkwith respect to the work piece, simultaneously moving both ends of theframework across the surface of the work piece without changing theattitude of the framework with respect to the work piece whilesupporting the framework from the surface of the work piece,intermittently lowering the stapling devices into contact with the workpiece and actuating the stapling devices.
 8. Apparatus for inserting aplurality of staples in a generally flat work piece or the like disposedin an approximate horizontal plane, said apparatus comprising aframework, a plurality of stapling machines mounted on said framework,support means connected to said framework for supporting said staplingmachines on the work piece, said support means comprising means forlowering said framework toward the work piece until the staplingmachines engage the work piece, actuating means responsive to thedownward movement of said framework for actuating said staplingmachines, and balancing means connected to each of said staplingmachines for balancing each stapling machine on the work piece. 9.Apparatus for inserting a plurality of staples in a generally flat workpiece disposed in an approximately horizontal plane comprising aframework, a plurality of stapling machines supported by said frameworkabove the work piece, and support means mounted on said framework forsupporting said framework on said work piece and arranged to move saidframework in a rectilinear direction across said work piece, saidsupport means including means for anchoring one end of said framework tosaid work piece while permitting the other end of said framework to moveacross said workpiece and change the direction of movement between saidframework and the work piece.
 10. Apparatus for inserting a plurality ofstaples in a generally flat work piece disposed in an approximatelyhorizontal plane, said apparatus comprising a framework, a plurality ofstapling machines supported by said framework above the work piece, andsupport means for moving said framework across said work piece, saidsupport means including means for moving said framework in a firstrectilinear direction across said work piece or in an arc with respectto a point on the surface of the work piece, and means for moving saidframework in a second rectilinear direction disposed 90* with respect tosaid first rectilinear direction.